The latest National Agro-meteorological Committee Advisory warned that farmers in most of South Africa’s summer rainfall areas could still experience flood conditions and should take the necessary measures to mitigate the damage.
“Favourable rainfall conditions are likely over the larger part of the summer rainfall regions during February,” predicts the report.
“However, with the exception of some isolated areas such as the Eastern Cape, rainfall conditions are forecast to become less favourable during autumn. The larger part of the interior is expected to experience below-normal maximum temperatures. However, towards the end of June below-normal maximum temperatures are expected to set in over the western parts with warmer, maximum temperatures elsewhere.”
Reviewing the current summer the advisory added most of South Africa’s summer rainfall areas had received normal rainfall since November, but had then dried out in December. Some summer rainfall areas, namely the eastern Limpopo, western Free State and central and western North West continued to experience very dry conditions.
“Based on the forecast of above-average rainfall patterns for the rest of the summer, farmers are encouraged to put measures in place to control pests and disease associated with wet conditions,” said the report.
“Migratory pests could also be a problem. Severe thunderstorms, with their associated hail and damaging winds have occurred in some provinces and are likely to continue. Contingency plans to mitigate the effects of these storms should also be maintained. Veld fires are also still possible in the drier winter rainfall areas and farmers are encouraged to take precautionary measures in this respect.” – Lloyd Phillips
Farmers are advised to view the full climate advisory at www.agis.agric.za
or contact (012) 319 7955/56.
Farmers warned of more flood risk
most of South Africa’s summer rainfall areas could still experience flood conditions and should take the necessary measures to mitigate the damage.
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